Research has shown that Native-themed mascots perpetuate stereotypes and have negative effects on Native youth and their communities. The American Psychological Association called for the retirement of all Native-themed mascots in 2005. Native American nicknames and mascots are psychologically detrimental to Native American students, as they are associated with negative stereotypes of Native Americans.
In one study, after reading about Native American mascots, Native American students scored lower on measures of self-esteem and community worth. This overall pattern of results indicates that Native American mascots selectively facilitate the application of negative stereotypes, resulting in harmful outcomes. Harvard Anthropology Professor Joe Gone and colleagues recently produced a comprehensive review of psychological literature to show that these findings are supported by decades of social science research.
Incidental exposure to Native American sports mascots can reinforce stereotypes in people, teaching non-Indian children that it’s acceptable to participate in culturally abusive behavior and perpetuating inaccurate beliefs. These mascots have direct negative effects on Native Americans, activating and reflecting stereotyping and prejudice among non-Native persons.
The issue of Native American and First Nations names and images being used by sports teams as mascots has been the subject of increasing public controversy. Research has shown that Native-themed mascots perpetuate stereotypes and have negative effects on Native youth and how they view themselves and their communities. Stereotypic Native American imagery reduced actual donations to the institution by 5.5, and was particularly detrimental for native people.
📹 NCAI Ending “Indian” Mascots Initiative: Health Impacts of Native “Themed” Mascots
The purpose of this research update is to provide an overview of the key findings of a recently published review of the health …
What should a mascot represent?
A mascot is a crucial marketing tool that represents the values of an organization and interacts with customers and employees. It is often used to show off the brand and interact with employees. Famous role models, such as MLB players, pilots, and world record-holding dogs, have been used as mascots to represent their values. If there is someone within your community who could become a larger-than-life character, consider using them as your mascot. Cross-promotion can benefit both parties if you have the blessing and rights to use someone’s likeness. To help match values and characteristics to mascots, consider the following ideas:
- Tiger: For a competitive football team, a tiger, warrior, or wolverine mascot is ideal. For a college prep school, a knight or pioneer is ideal. For a young organization, a teddy bear or squirrel may be best.
What is the idea of mascots?
Mascots are a popular and beloved part of school culture, bringing unity and boosting school morale. Originating in the 1800s, a young boy who ran errands for a baseball team became known as their good luck charm, inspiring the idea of mascots as part of a sports team. The hidden identity of the face behind the costume is a fun mystery that can serve as a central force for students and generate additional energy and promote the lively atmosphere of the school community.
However, critics argue that investing a few thousand dollars in a mascot is impractical and that the costumes can become uncontrollably heavy and warm, especially in Texan weather. This can overwhelm the mascot and cause larger complications. Despite the large expenditure, the extra revenue generated by a mascot can be a significant revenue source. Mascot merchandise is also popular among students, staff, and fans.
Safety measures for a mascot should be carefully considered, including wearing light clothing underneath the costume and sweatbands to prevent overheating. Additionally, mascots should switch out of their costume every 30 minutes for a quick rest to avoid exhaustion.
What does the mascot represent?
A mascot is an animal or character that represents a group, such as a high school soccer team’s “weasels”. Some mascots bring luck to organizations or clubs, while others are used for marketing. For example, Smokey the Bear is the mascot of the U. S. Forest Service, while Tony the Tiger is a mascot for Frosted Flakes cereal. Sports team mascots appear at games and matches, dancing and dancing with kids. A mascot is a symbolic figure adopted by a team or group and can be a living thing that can act or function independently.
What is the purpose of a mascot?
A mascot is a symbol of luck or a group with a common public identity, such as a school, sports team, society, military unit, or brand name. They are also used as fictional spokespersons for consumer products and in sports for merchandising. Team mascots are often related to their team nicknames, which can be living animals or human-like characteristics. For more abstract nicknames, teams may choose an unrelated character, such as the University of Alabama’s athletic teams.
Team mascots can take the form of a logo, person, live animal, inanimate object, or costumed character, and often appear at team matches and related events. Since the mid-20th century, costumed characters have provided teams with the opportunity to choose a fantasy creature as their mascot. Costumed mascots are also commonplace and are used as goodwill ambassadors in the community for their team, company, or organization.
What is a mascot and why is it important?
A mascot is a symbol of luck or a group with a common public identity, such as a school, sports team, society, military unit, or brand name. They are also used as fictional spokespersons for consumer products and in sports for merchandising. Team mascots are often related to their team nicknames, which can be living animals or human-like characteristics. For more abstract nicknames, teams may choose an unrelated character, such as the University of Alabama’s athletic teams.
Team mascots can take the form of a logo, person, live animal, inanimate object, or costumed character, and often appear at team matches and related events. Since the mid-20th century, costumed characters have provided teams with the opportunity to choose a fantasy creature as their mascot. Costumed mascots are also commonplace and are used as goodwill ambassadors in the community for their team, company, or organization.
What is the deep meaning of mascot?
The mascot of a sports team is traditionally meant to bring good fortune and represent the entire school community. However, school mascots can also bring conflict and controversy as the culture of a school community evolves. Mascots can change as schools open or close doors, or when districts or sports teams merge. As school districts consider changing their mascot, logo, or school colors, it’s important to remember that these cartoonish figures can evoke rich and real emotional responses within the school community. Asking what a school’s mascot should be is a proxy for deeper questions about who the school is, what it stands for, and what symbol represents it best.
What is the Indians mascot?
Major League Baseball has a history of incorporating the Cleveland Indians’ nickname “Indians” into their uniforms, which were not officially recognized until 1928. The Cleveland Indians adopted the nickname “Indians” during the 1915 season, but it wasn’t acknowledged on their uniforms until 1928. Between 1901 and 1927, uniforms featured variations on a stylized “C” or the word “Cleveland”, except for the 1921 season when the front of the club’s uniform shirts read “Worlds (sic) Champions”.
In 1928, club uniforms featured a patch depicting the profile of a headdress-wearing American Indian. In 1929, a smaller version of the same patch migrated to the home uniform sleeve, where similar designs remained until 1938. The online gallery of historical Cleveland uniforms does not accurately depict the evolution of the pre-Wahoo logo, which was a cartoon depiction of a man in a warbonnet drawn in profile. An early image featuring these uniforms was described as “a far cry from Chief Wahoo and other grinning caricatures”.
What is the meaning of national mascot?
National Mascot Day commemorates the 130-year-old tradition of mascots, which originated from the French word “La Mascotte.” This term, as used in the French opera, denotes a woman or girl with mystic abilities and the capacity to bestow good fortune.
What does a mascot represent?
A mascot is an animal or character that represents a group, such as a high school soccer team’s “weasels”. Some mascots bring luck to organizations or clubs, while others are used for marketing. For example, Smokey the Bear is the mascot of the U. S. Forest Service, while Tony the Tiger is a mascot for Frosted Flakes cereal. Sports team mascots appear at games and matches, dancing and dancing with kids. A mascot is a symbolic figure adopted by a team or group and can be a living thing that can act or function independently.
📹 Should ALL Native American Mascots be BANNED? | Decoded | MTV News
Special thanks to Lauren Chief Elk @ChiefElk for helping consult on this video! For the Season 1 finale of Decoded, Franchesca …
When America uses Native American “themed” mascots while simultaneously ignoring the plights of the First Nation thereby enabling dangerous stereotypes and constant cultural appropriation …you damn well better believe there’s a problem. They care more about jerseys and memorabilia than an entire group of people. It’s maddening. PS: YOU BETTER COME BACK FOR SEASON 2. We need you.
went to Cherokee High School. mascot was the Chiefs. in the Lenape school district . where its the Shawnee Renegades and the Lenape Indians. Seneca and Sequoia (the two newest high schools that formed after i graduated). I always knew there was something inherently wrong with our schools names, but sadly suffered from lack of education and exposure. now that i know, i’m actively campaigning the district to rename themselves and the schools. its an uphill battle, but it matters.
My sister is a nurse in a Native reserve in Arizona and she says that her patients (from a Navajo tribe) do not like talking about death. Shout to the people who get skull tattoos with native headdresses cough * Alyson Harris *uncough not that skulls are in direct relation to death… being raised around Santeria that isn’t always the case. But anyways I encourage to educate themselves before naming a team or getting a tattoo inspired by a culture they know nothing about. It is damaging.
They absolutely should all be banned. I live a few hours from Cleveland and a large number of people in groups I work with attended the “Cleveland Indians’ first baseball game to protest, many of those in attendance to protest being Native American people from the area. perusal my friends articles of what they were met with was just… disgusting. People in full on red face, claiming they were 1/16th this or that, not being able to actually handle when they were confronted with actual Native people calling them out on their shit and responding, as to be expected, by being blatantly racist. The ignorance never ceases to amaze me. This shit just isn’t okay. Also, congrats on season 1, Franchesca! The Decoded team deserves a round of applause. Looking forward to season 2 & 3!
My high school had a Native American mascot, but for a completely different reason. Before the 1980’s, our school had your stereotypical Native American caricature mascot, but when the new principal took over, he wanted it changed. Before deciding whether or not to change the mascot to something entirely different, he went to the Arapahoe tribe council and asked permission to keep the name “Warriors” as well as design a culturally accurate portrayal they would be proud to have represent their tribe. They said they were honored to, because the principal showed them so much respect, and the high school continues to have a wonderful relationship with the Arapahoe tribe to this day with zero cultural appropriation and disrespect.
Great article, Chesca!!! I had no idea about Native Americans not being able to practice their own religion for so long. I’m glad a Native American gave his perspective, too often they are robbed (literally) of their voices. Beautiful to see you using your platform to elevate these voices. Can’t wait for Season 2!!!
In my opinion, it’s ok as long as used respectfully. Calling a team “warriors” can symbolize the determination and strength of native ancestors. Much like the players of that team.(I’d hope at least) Chiefs, symbolizing nobility and honor of native Chiefs. It’s all in how you look at it and how dedicated the team really is.
YES EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS article I AGREE WITH!!!! I go to a university where the Seminole is the mascot. Or the “symbol” as they like to call it, because it’s wrong to call an entire culture a mascot but calling it a symbol is just fine??? Ugh. And the university also has all sorts of racist or stereotypical Native American memorabilia/school related names that are equally as awful. Like one line in the school spirit song is “you gotta scalp em’ Seminoles!” LIKE HOW DID THAT EVER GET APPROVED???? Apparently the school has a ” great relationship” with the Seminole tribe of Florida and runs everything by the tribe before they use it but like there is so many racist things and so much cultural appropriation on campus that I don’t know how to have any school spirit! It took me so long to find a shirt in the university store that wasn’t racist in some way. Like I want to love my school so bad but how can I when it has a terrible mascot and convinces everyone that it’s okay?
I went to a HS whose mascot was an Indian. The marching band played a stereotyped fight song (you know, lots o’ rhythm, some melody, no harmony). The dance team made–and sold as a fundraiser–super huge beaded dangly earrings that resembled native American headdress, so that ladies with pierced ears could wear, not one, but TWO fake headdresses on one head. We had our prom at The Gene Autry museum so we could check out the fakey Indian stuff that was used in mid-century Hollywood (like the gigantic headdress that was made from feathers that had been died PINK…cause that’s totally respectful.) Our rivals were a local school whose mascot was the Cowboy. And when they played against us they’d hang an enormous hand painted sign that read, “SLAUGHTER THE INDIANS”. That’s how we honored native people in my home town.
One of the schools in my district had the “warrior” mascot and omg it was a hot MESS of cultural appropriation and racism. People would wear war bonnets, carry around tomahawks, and constantly talk about having “that savage warrior spirit” (gross). And it wasn’t just at football and basketball games, even their swim team had a really racist pump up cheer before meets about ‘channeling the inner warrior.” I really hope that Decoded comes back for season 2, this show and Braless are 2 of my favorite websites on Youtube!
We were the “Indians” in high school, and every year without fail the school newspaper would poll students regarding whether or not to change the mascot, without providing any background information on the history of the issue. This poll was frequently cited by school administration as a reason to not change the mascot. Turns out local American Indian groups had tried to get us to change the mascot A TON OF TIMES, and the only concession they were able to get from the school was changing the depiction of a red-skinned Native American in headdress to be a dream catcher with beads and feathers, but don’t worry, there were still really racist displays at football rallies of (predominantly white) ASB students dressing up as Native American stereotypes and attacking people dressed up as whatever the other team’s mascot was, throwing them into a teepee and presumably killing them.
I went to Central Michigan University, which, oddly enough was changed from several animal mascots to the Chippewas. It was kind of a mixed bag, because while we had the name, we referred to ourselves as “Chips,” and there was no Native American mascot, just this thing called the Big C, which, we didn’t have a costume for. The tribe had a police presence on campus, any sort of dressing up in Native outfits was prohibited, and we got a visit and a lesson on the local tribe during orientation as part of an agreement we had with them. It was presented to us that we kept the name as part of an agreement with the local tribe that we not be rude, have classes about Native history/culture/language, and attend a seminar with the local tribe to understand why. But it also might have been because we were near the Soaring Eagle Casino, and having the name Chippewas was some sort of advertising? We never really were clear on that. The Saginaw Tribe backed the name in a 2005 court hearing, so, we were told that our keeping the name was directly related to their support, and the one time I did see a student wearing a headdress when I was there, the reaction was angry from the students, I remember an article in the student paper denouncing the behavior. All Native American logos were eliminated, it’s now just a big “C.” I don’t know, in particular, how much the tribe really has a say in the name overall though. I know CMU used to be like the CMU Dragons and I just remember so many of us on campus openly expressed wanting an animal mascot because then we could have logos instead of just this big awkward “C” thing, I don’t remember too many people who were overly attached to our big chant of “Ooh Wah, You wish you were a Chippewa.
Thankyou for shedding light on this issue. People have forgotten our ancestors who originally owned this land its a slap in the face all that theyre igknowledged for today is jewelry and mascots. They were the first people on this land who had to deal with racism, having their land stolen and killed off unfortunately only a few made it out and even then were spat on the remaining of their lives.
People there is nothing new about this. Indigenous indians have been fighting this issues for years. There was a group in the 70’s called AIM, There American Indian Movement. The occupied Alcatraz for almost 3 years trying to get equality. Native americans was the last group to get the right to vote in 1924, 4 years after women. Not to mention the near genocide of the peoples. Many of the 500 plus tribes in the americas are now extinct and many others are on the verge, due to the greed of the settlers.
I go to Central Michigan University (aka The Chippewas) and we actually live right next to the Native American reservation. The school board decided in the 70s to keep the name and colors (maroon and gold) of the Chippewas, but our technical mascot is “The Flying C”. Wearing any type of Native American headdress around here is extremely offensive. It wasn’t until I actually moved here that I learned about the problems they went through, and have met many local tribe members who explained everything to me. They don’t teach their history well enough in schools. That’s the problem. That’s where the ignorance comes from. When I was a kid, I used to dress up as an “and Indian” and I didn’t know any better. I didn’t realize I was making a mockery of their religion and insulting their culture. Everyone should see this article, you should actually expand on the topic! A part two perhaps? Judging by the comments, some of these people just don’t understand.
Great vid, as always Ches, but Orangeman is as far as I know not a reference to native Americans. It refers to supporters King William III of Orange. I think the teams should try stereotypical “white culture” mascots for a change. And then we all sit back and wait for the shit storm to role in from all “white” people who feel insulted…
In the late 1970s my high school changed our team names from the Indians to the Cardinals. We kept the same colors, red and white. Only the patches had to be updated. Exactly no one was harmed by this change. So, almost 40 years later we are still fighting this fight. My college’s team name was a color. My grad school used an animal. Somehow they could easily find non-racist mascots/team names. Seems like it should be easy enough for every school or other team to make the switch. Think of the marketing – so many new hats and shirts to sell!
franchesca you HAVE to come back for another season!! I’ve been trying to explain feminism to my brother and he just didnt get it. Then i stumbled upon your articles and started showing them to him and he’s picking up everything like a sponge, your articles are the only thing he understands. You N E E D to continue, this vlog was such a great idea
My high school was the redmen but we changed it my freshman year to the redhawks. Some people argued that is was an okay name because my town used to be a very big Native American area. I’m embarrassed to say that when I first heard them talking about the name change I was against it (I was 13/14 at the time) but as I got older and got a better understanding (my own research b/c schools don’t teach these topics) I realized it had to happen. It’s crazy when you hear full grown adults being okay with names like that though.
Love, love love Decoded! Dig the sass and humor in dealing with such big heavy topics. Want more! Really looking forward to more seasons. 🙂 This series makes me excited about the future of America again! Also, I went to Florida State University (Seminoles) for my last 2 years of college. I wasn’t as aware back then. Colleges should be teaching us broader more in depth history but instead they’re just glossing over history and perpetuating oppressive ideals. You can do better, College! I know you can.
My school mascot is the Ironman. The iron workers worked in terrible conditions, and many of them were discriminated against because they were Irish Catholics. I think we should ban all Ironman mascots because we oppressed them and now we’re appropriating their culture. How dare we. No! This is ridiculous! No one sees any other group complaining like you do! You’re proposing frivolous allegations, and it’s ridiculous. I’d appreciate if you didn’t come back for a second season, because so far, season one was a hateful, racist demagogue.
Totally agree with this. My high school was football crazy, and our mascot was the Indians, and the overall district’s mascot the miners/cowboys. Our school was founded from funding from an Ole Western film actor, and I think the ‘Indians’ mascot may have had this origin for our school, which I respect, BUT it was so so so uncomfortable to go to games and have the other side yell out ‘Kill the Indians.’ Now obviously, I know they didn’t mean it literally. But can you imagine identifying as Native American (your parents, grandparents, rich traditions, and history) standing in that crowd hearing people saying this, yelling it? Isn’t that kinda uncomfortable for everyone, even the people yelling it? I like getting amped for games, and I would love to yell and scream ‘kill’ but I think I’d much rather yell Kill the Onions (or some other benign but still riveting name) or the Onions are going down, or We the Onions will win, than a racial slur or a group of people who are present and alive in our society.
I’m seeing two sides of the debate here. Those advocating the removal of mascots have a valid point: the images breed stereotypes, which is a problem. Those pro-mascots advocate “a feather in one’s cap,” and there’s nothing wrong with creating a sports logo with that phrase. Coaches have used the idiom as a talking point for years. Indigenous communities need to find ways to improve their argument. While Redskins and Indians (and people as mascots) indicate mascots are problematic, feathers in one cap idiom transcend cultures, especially in European and Asian literature, and can quickly put pro-mascots in their court. Sports jumpers are nicknamed “caps” in soccer and rugby because they represent high honor and achievement, similar to Eagle Feathers. There must be a cross-cultural dialogue for nicknames such as Warriors and Chiefs. Otherwise, mascots will come back, and Native Americans might be unable to stop it.
I went to an elementary school in Phoenix called Tomahawk Elementary that still to this day has a mascot that is a Native American chief in headdress. Their main webpage has this motto in large print “Where warriors come to learn.” And this is in Arizona where many tribal nations have reservation land and where many Indigenous children attend such schools. Just really shameful.
My high school had “Indians” as our school mascot and even had teachers dress up as a chief during pep rallies. Twords the end of my time there the school decided on a new mascot (Monarchs as in butterflies…) but had only applied the new mascot to one sports teams jerseys. It’s been 4 years and they still haven’t changed things.
1. Chief, was not a term used specifically for native american leaders. It was used precolumbian. 2. The term “redskin” was used by native americans to identify themselves, from the rest of the new people on the continent, however, once journalist and dime store novelist got a hold of the term, well it was turned into a term of less affection. Some of the Names on the list are held by native american schools.
My schools mascot used to be an Indian head, but they changed it after ppl got offended (we are now the Warriors) but I still hear a lot of times people say stuff like “but it’s not even offensive! Like I don’t think it is” but it is, and it’s so hard to explain it but I think this article does a good job
I agree with the general sentiment of this article, and I’m a bit surprised that “Orangemen” is the name of a sport mascot somewhere in the US or Canada (apparently it is the mascot for Syracuse University), but I’ve never heard of Orangemen as a slur against Native American or First Nations people. Syracuse University does have a history of having a Native American sport mascot (based on a fictional “Big Chief Bill Orange”), but it looks like the Orangemen was their former name (it is currently Syracuse Orange) and their current mascot (an anthropomorphic orange) is one step removed from it. The Orangemen is more commonly the name for men who join the Orange Order, a Protestant Men’s group that has strong ties to anti-Catholic actions, especially in Northern Ireland, but also in former British colonies and other parts of the U.K. Really, there’s no need to have any mascots named after a group of people.
One of my relatives is an owner of a minor league professional baseball team. His team has worked closely with the native tribe for which his team is named to get their opinion. Not only is this tribe very accepting of the local teams use of their name, but the team logo is now in the native language (the only professional sports team in the U.S. to do so). This only really works since this particular tribe happens smaller and the team is also local. Obviously terms like Redskins are much more controversial. But if a specific tribe is thrilled with the use of their name, how is that problem?
I went to a Native American school called Laguna Elementary in New Mexico because my family and I lived on the reservation despite not being natives, we’re actually African Americans. We were the only black family there lol. The school had a Native American mascot, but the school is actually a Native American school.
I will say Florida State came to agreement with the Seminoles in Florida for name usage but maybe practices could be changed in a respectable way to their culture. my dad is a FSU decided to change the mascot I see no problem. the team’s that have no agreements with native Americans I think should have those names banned definitely. i hope there is a second season of decoded.
My high school’s teams are called the Marauders and until about five years ago, the mascot was a Native American. People got mad when they changed it to a pirate, and they still are, because they think it’s the PC police coming to steal their freedom of expression or whatever. I’ve pretty much given up trying to explain to people how racist having a Native American as a mascot is.
I went to UofI also known for once having the Illiniwek as their symbol…. not mascot. I believe not all schools have their school logo as a derogatory statement. If people would have done their research on the Illiniwek at UofI they would’ve found a deep seeded honor and respect for the tribe going back to an eagle scout alumni that was accepted as a tribesmen and had collaborated with them to bring back a just representation. Illiniwek were slaughtered just for being Illini but down to the last man showed extreme amounts of courage and loyalty. This is what was trying to be represented until the media and lawyers took over and morphed it into a demeaning mascot. All I ask is dont be too quick to judge something, and look into an organization without a predetermined mindset. Students for Chief 2013
For me, it depends on the context. The Chicago Blackhawks are actually named after a war veteran, and the Florida State Seminoles have permission from the Seminole tribe of Florida to use their name and the tribe also helped make the costume for the schoolmascot, Chief Osceola. However, teams like the Cleveland Indians and Washington Redskins are more understandable to me because both names can easily be perceived as racial slurs.
My friend is a first grade teacher and she told me that they used to have a Native Mascot but the changed it to wolves. Have you seen the John Oliver clip of how there are also schools with Confederate mascots? Chicago has the Blackhawks for their hockey team but most people call them the Hawks and according to wikipedia the team has worked with the Native American center to educate people on Native culture.
for the ppl getting defensive saying well what about the Vikings, Irish, patriots, really guys really??? the ppl that those ACTUALLY refer too live on the other side on the ocean, not like their way would make y’all change it anyways, and not to down those other ethnicity’s but sure that very few if any actually practice their own culture and hertiage over here in America…. and to the ppl that may not understand why, it may just be a name and yes sometimes it’s not so bad like here in North Dakota of UND fighting Sioux name has be striped and taken away. I am part Sioux, besides the other tribes I’m apart of, and it wasn’t so much the name that was offensive but when you go to these sporting events the “fans” are supporting them by warhooping, wearing feathers, war bonnets, tomahawks, hell even the derogatory chants the ‘fans’ yell, and even wear face paint that resembles what “they” think a fight Sioux is,….uhhh yeah that’s when it becomes quite offensive to the native communities… and honestly, the ppl that are saying all of sudden the natives are pissed about these names in sports, no one seemed to listen till now
Redskins isnt racist. The meaning of it was based on warriors who covered themselves with red paint before going to battle, thus, their skin was red. Even tribes used it as a simple way to identify themselves. On top of that the state of Oklahoma, when its name is translated, literally means “red people” a name which was chosen by the Choctaw tribes that were relocated there and I dont see people getting their pitchforks out for that. If you say Redskins to any random person on the street 10 times out of 10 they will think of a historically bad NFL team and not a racial epithet.
Change it to the Washington Blobs. Every player must be mixed race, uniform is all grey, stadium is all grey, must be as silent as tennis or golf, only serves water and lettuce, gender neutral bathrooms, parking only allowed for hybrid or electric vehicles, sacking the QB isn’t allowed, field is dirt for people with allergies, no carry-ins, security puts their hands down your pants before entrance, every player gets a MVP plaque, must have a 1:1 ratio of male and female coachs on staff, they won’t keep score, …
I’m Native American and I attended a high school for a year called the “Indians” and there mascot was an “Indian” number one most Native Americans don’t like the name Indian I personally find it offensive and most people in my tribe do as well. Number two my town has a Native America reservation on it so they’re (we’re) forced to go to school in a town with a racial mascot an team and are told to get over it. Also many people don’t believe you’re Native America because we “don’t look like one” sorry I’m not your mascot. It doesn’t help that history class is inaccurate either
This is a little random, but I think it sort of relates. I don’t like it when white people claim that they are part Native American, because they only do it to make themselves seem “exotic”. Also, many of the white people who do that really don’t care about Native Americans and their struggles. They don’t advocate on their behalf. They don’t even consider themselves people of color. Basically, it’s biological appropriation if there is such a thing. I had a teacher in 11th grade who was a 1/4th Native American and 3/4 White. When a topic very similar to this came up, that mofo said that they (Native American) should stop whining about it and make money off of it. He didn’t get. He said that about 10 years ago, and it stuck with me.
while I agree that a lot of these names are racist I will say this. I attended the University of North Dakota from 2008 to 2012 and got to see the name taken away due to the backlash that Francesska here is talking about. Honestly though the Sioux name was respected and honored at the school unlike many of these other nicknames. The mascot was depicted accurately in was actually designed by a Native American. because of people’s outrage and insecurities about this I got to see the name taken. I honestly think it’s a shame.
I think NA mascots and teams using NA names should be banned. I also think some of this is done because us Americans are ignorant of history as NA discrimination. When I was a teen in HS, I taught a lesson about Navaho NA tribe. For the activities, I had the kids make a head band with a feather out of construction paper. When I look back, I was teaching racism without realizing it. I think education is the key.
(YouTube won’t let me double-space to create paragraphs anymore, sorry) It’s true most modern Americans do not recognize or respect Native American culture or history. When I was a Boy Scout, I was inducted into a group called the Order of the Arrow. Scouts get voted in during Summer Camp, spend a night under the stars (read: no tent), and are required to work for an entire day saying little and eating even less. The attitude instilled is one of selfless service, environmental stewardship, and quiet camaraderie towards a mutual goal. This is related back to Native Americans, who are represented in a very positive light, exemplars to emulate in these roles at least. I say all this ’cause that matters to me a lot more than some goofy mascot or sports team name. While it bemoans me to see people so casually disregard important aspects of our history, I don’t think many, if any, Redskins, Braves, or Indians fans intend offense by celebrating the sports team they love. I think Native American communities across the country have far bigger, more important grievances to bring forth.
Florida State University adopted the Seminoles as a mascot in 1947, a time where it was still illegal for Native Americans to practice their religion. Regardless, FSU has been through many Seminole mascot changes because of problems facing the representation of the Seminole Tribe. The first mascot was Sammy Seminole then Chief Fullabull, following that was Chief Wampumstompum, next Yahola the “spirit chief” and finally we have the familiar Chief Osceola and Renegade. Our previous mascots were widely protested and seen as offensive by various people for various reasons. All of these mascots (including our current one) were portrayed by white students. The question is, is there anything wrong with this? And according to most experts, polls and Native American tribes and organizations, the answer is unequivocally YES. Most of the time the defense behind the Seminole mascot is the same. FSU is honoring the tribe, we are venerating their culture and guess what? If you haven’t heard (and you probably have), the Seminole tribe has given us permission to use their culture for our brand! However, despite what many people think, the situation is more complex than this. The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s blessing is not an automatic argument that Seminoles as a mascot is not offensive. For many years they were against it, until FSU had a meeting with them. The Seminole Tribe of Florida gave their approval amidst vocal protests from other Seminoles. Many point out that the Seminole tribe settled on this issue for political reasons having to do with casinos, but regardless, the fact that ONE tribe approves among hundreds that disapprove speaks for itself.
“””New Egypt High School Mascot: “Warriors” “”” The middle school mascot was changed from Mustangs to Warriors to match the high school. Our school is not even 30 years old. We’re backward progressivism. Thank god I’m graduating this year because it actually makes me upset. We actually just got new cheer uniforms that say “NEHS” instead of “Warriors” on it. That’s good at least, but it still doesn’t make up for the fact.
Being Mexican from México…we love seeing the name Aztec or Maya or any Mesoamerican nation represented in a sports team. No sarcasm. Our flag is all about the Aztecs and México comes from the word Mexica ( Meh-shee-kah) which was the name of the Aztecs before they came to power. I can’t speak for the North American nations.
Well what about the schools that actually honor these tribes in some way? My school is Seminole High School in Sanford Florida- everything is Native American centered. Other than our mascot being Osceola (a Seminole chief… not just a random Indian), our buildings have names: Tribe Hall, Warrior Hall, Tomahawk Hall, and and others, we have a Pow-Wow period, which we learn Seminole history every Wednesday school wide. I would like a Seminole Indian to tell if it is racist, and I’m truly interested and open to an Indian’s opinion… don’t take me wrong, but would it change anything what I said about my school?
I live in northern Michigan in the town of petoskey. Our school and community is largely native so when we named our school mascot the “northmens” it was decided almost all by the tribe and the school superintendent to pay homage to our largely native town and culture up here. There are some natives in the community who are now speaking out against the mascot, but the tribal leaders are chill with it. Idk what to think honestly. Is my school another case of racist football syndrome
also as an american, perhaps you should refrain from commenting on our canadian culture. naming a team after the chippewas or sioux is not racist, and native culture is way more mainstream. cities, roads, neighbourhoods,are often named after translations of their dialects or the outright native words. especially in the west and north, their culture intersects with white culture in a way that you wouldn’t understand as someone who lives in new york or l.a..
I know real natives. I live in an state with several very large to fairly large reservations, I’ve met people from the Tohono O’odham, Yaqui, Apache, Navajo, and Hualapai tribes. You wanna know something amazing? Barely any of them have ever brought up mascots when discussing sports, which means either they’re too nice to say anything, or just don’t care, and focus more on bigger issues like drug/alcohol abuse, violent crimes, and poverty. Your move SJW’s
I feel like this show is about how whites should feel bad about being white. Are we not the sum of our OWN experiences? Must I first address someone’s ancestry, culture, and skin color before I address the actual person? I feel like shows like this separate us into groups rather than uniting us as a people.
I can understand the problem with the more slur-like names, like Redskins, Warriors, savages, ect. However, I don’t see the problem with names like Cherokee, souix, Seminoles, ect, especially if that tribe is or was in the area of the school. These names clearly aren’t meant to be offensive, and represent no type of racism. They’re just names of tribes.
Honestly I hate to tell you this, but it shouldn’t be banned to use native american team names. I mean granted its a little bit on the racist side. But its covered by the constitution. Its the right of whatever sports association on whether those names should be permitted or not. And its also the right of the team to go by that name. As for racism, yes you do have the right to complain but I honestly cannot stand the idea of somebody stomping on free speech. Especially considering its the most important amendment there is. Thanks to free people gained equal rights. Free speech allowed for blacks to take the final step for equality (abolishing segregation). Its allowed for woman to be seen as equals. Its allowed for the LBGT community to be seen as normal members of society. It allowed for us to raise awareness and it allows for you to speak up and say what you think is and isn’t racist. Without it none of this stuff would be accomplished. Yes you can speak up but don’t say it should be banned. That’s just ignorance. Is it really that hard to learn how boycotts work? Or you know support a different team?
Please please please make a new season happen, this one was so good. I’ve received so much help and info and just positive vibes from you Francesca and other viewers that it would be a shame to not have that anymore. Usually YouTube comments are a pain but here I enjoy reading them. Anyway thank you for making this even if there is no season 2
Couple things 1. Cant wait for the next season #getthatmoneygirl 2. Who thinks this is okay? If you do you are a terrible person. This is sooo clear. 3. If anyone knows of a a petition that needs to be signed or any way I can show my support for this issue please let me know. Indigenous folks are also being erased and that isnt right. Getting rid of the mascots may be 1 thing we can do to help.
So my (Latinx) family are all Washington DC football fans, and their thing is that too many people use opposing the mascot and name as a way to look Not Racist!!™ but don’t actually give a shit about problems facing Native people, and so the mascot is less of an issue. I don’t really agree; I think the mascot is just as big of a problem, but I can see where they’re coming from ish.
I LOVE you guys (which, to me is actually a sexist saying since it leapfrogs any “gal’s” opinion in the room). “Y’all” doesn’t, but you run the risk of sounding like a racist from down south who FINALLY took Confederate Flags down last year from Statehouse grounds. There is a reason why Hillary Clinton took classes to rid herself of her southern accent. I was actually at the Statehouse in Columbia when it came down while Obama was helping heal the wounds from the Charleston shootings by singing “Amazing Grace” along w/ some comforting words, and I got a chance to meet one of my three favorite writers, Joy Ann Reid.. Obama being one of the three, as well. While there, I locked eyes with Rev. Jesse Jackson in the Capitol and I am convinced there’s something majestic and spiritual about him if ever you have the chance to meet him. I didn’t stare, but the 3 seconds I looked at him felt like an eternity. Not in a negative connotation the way people describe pain seeming to last an eternity, or the way people say time flies when you’re having fun. But a positive eternity that healed the civil unrest and furry I felt after Senator Pinckney, and the other Charleston 9 were murdered. After all, he ACTUALLY flew home Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s blood on him after his assassination, and I believe he filled a lot of the gap left behind after his death to speak out for Civil Rights. From his work on everything from the Apartheid, to organizing PUSH, to paying the tuition of an African American girl’s tuition after 3 white lacrosse team members raped her and were declared innocent, he has been one of America’s greatest assets.
Redskins I can understand, but what’s wrong with the Braves, chiefs and genuine tribe names? And what’s wrong with the mascots? You do know that that was how native warriors dressed, right? They were called Braves, and the feathers in their headdresses was meant to display their bravery and battle accomplishments. Counting Coups, as it was called.
there not trying to honor them, the thing is there’s a tradition now with those sport teams, and most American Indians don’t give a crap about the names. if overwhelming majority cared then it would be different. but as it stands now they shouldn’t change a single one of those names because a few people whine and complain that it’s racist.
This is nuts. Why should my high school have to change from the “warriors” because of political correctness. Our school honors native Americans not disrespects them by any stretch of the imagination. When I think warrior I think of someone who fights till the end for what they believe in, not “savages”.
Can we not just understand that we can’t change the past, so stop trying to. So what if I name a team the “Fighting Sioux”? It’s not like I’m calling it the “Redskinned Savages”. The Sioux were people, and our team fights. If I called a team the “Fighting Germans” or the “Fighting Koreans”, nobody would care, but because it’s one of the old tribes, it’s now suddenly racist, and I have no respect for the old tribes all of a sudden. And is it my fault that some guy whose great great great great grandfather lived on a reservation is trying to get attention? Geez, just get over it. We are ALL Native Americans. So stop seperating us and race baiting. There is nothing offensive about the “Fighting Sioux”.
Chiefs… I don’t understand how that is offensive to somebody. A chieftain is a positions occupied by a leader of a tribe much like a night is in feudalism. It’s related to native Americans but in no way shape or form is it a racial slur, honestly I don’t mind seeing all these other names go out because they are quite hurtful…. But I think that our school has the most badass mascot in the city when I go out on the field as a chieftain.
To everyone saying, “omgggggg Americans are so sensitive nowadays! Like shut up!!!” Those comments are so fucking annoying. Changing racist sports team names is one step closer to showing people you cannot get away with being racist. It’s not fully going to work but it’s a step. Donald Trump is not making things easier that’s for sure. 🙄
well, if your going to get rid of all the sports teams that have native american mascots you better start renaming all the towns and states that are named after native american culture. also, if naming a team after a native american tribe is racist, what about the fighting irish? wouldnt that fall into the same catagory?
Cultural relativism is almost impossible to come across in American. American Indians are no different than any other ethnicity. Our education is flawed and do not teach students that there is a difference between the past and future. We continue to allow these mascots to hurt American Indians and give a bad name and face to their culture when it is no different from any other religion.
So what about those tribes that have ok’d the use of Native American mascots such as the Florida State Seminoles? Once again this series seems to paint everything with the same wide brush when these issues aren’t as simple as MTV would have you think. I actually enjoy this series, but i often find fault with the absoluteness bordering on smugness that the hosts display when stating their views as a matter of fact.
I go to a school who’s mascot is a viking, a big strong long beard having white guy, but do you hear white people complain, no its the same for Native Americans I should I’m actually a member of both races as well as Mexican. But oh no mascots are offensive to Native Americans because they have headdresses and feather earings that’s not really racist it’s historically accurate and besides why are you making a article on this because according to your logic only people of a specific race can talk about “offensive” subjects.
I got to a school district called Indian prairie I know right and all the schools are named after chiefs plus two of the three schools mascots are named after Native related things and it really bothers me but no one cares high up enough to change that and even the schools were pronounced as correctly as a native English speaker could but cause of our highly white community they names are pretty much fully anglicanized
Warriors do not represent native american. There are Warriors in every culture. Now let me play Devils advicate if we are going to change thing why stop with Mascot names. Those cities called Chicago and Seattle, Pontiniac. That island which is the county of New York. Why not change that then? I live and grew up in New York and the only real big time College basketball is St. John’s. Until they changed to Red Storm in 1993-94 I had no idea the Redmen in St. John Redmen meant indians/Native americans. I just thought that like the Syracuse mascot which was the orangemen. That it was a man who for all I know could have been an apple.
I like how everybody is talking about the Native Americans mascots, but no one talks about the Native American college in Colorado called the Fighting Whites. Maybe it backfired on them because they thought the white people would get mad about it, but no one did. That’s why you don’t hear about it, but what really offends me is how your called MTV, but you don’t play any music. What is next, the BET website playing nothing but Friends, How I Meet Your Mother, and Modern Family.
I understand the way savage and Native American have become connotatively entangled since the colonization of the Americas, but the word itself has been used as a generic term for wildman since at least the 1300’s. I’m not saying that means keeping your team name that is a good idea, and again, I understand why it was put on the list, but what is a better word to convey the idea that your team is a horde of uncontrollable and vicious men? I guess Barbarians could work; I don’t think any group is particularly associated with that…